C
Our ship it docked in New York town
F
And we took our bags ashore
C
This was the land of the free they said
G C
We'd see hard times no more
F
But when we looked for work next day
C
Wherever we'd appear
G
The boss so proud, would shout out loud
C
"We want no Irish here"
[Chorus]
C
We have loyal hearts and willing hands
F
Of work we have no fear
G7
But when we'd ask for a job they'd say
C
"We want no Irish here"
[Verse 2]
C
We traveled 'round from town to town
F
We traveled south and north
C
We tried our best to get a job
G C
So we could prove our worth
F
But everywhere, it was the same
C
We searched both far and near
G
We'd get in line, then see the sign
C
"We want no Irish here"
[Chorus]
C
We have loyal hearts and willing hands
F
Of work we have no fear
G7
But when we'd ask for a job they'd say
C
"We want no Irish here"
[Verse 3]
C
But prejudice soon fades away
F
When you find a heart that's true
C
And all we needed was the chance
G C
To prove what we could do
F
We fought in wars and drove street cars
C
Built railroads far and near
G
Were cops, wrote news, paid our union dues
C
Now the Irish are welcome here
[Chorus]
C
We have loyal hearts and willing hands
F
Of work we have no fear
G7
If you're out for fun or a job well done
C
You'll find the Irish here!